How Messi’s groin Injury will cost Argentina millions in Morocco friendly

Image result for messi injury

Lionel Messi is a football genius. His presence alone on the pitch fills the stadium. Just his appearance is more like a tourist attraction.

Messi’s groin injury suffered in the 3-1 defeat to Venezuela means that he will be absent for the friendly against Morocco tonight – while it will also see the Argentine FA lose out on a tidy €450,000 payment.

Image result for withdrawing money from ATM gif

According to Moroccan daily newspaper Al Ahdaz al Magrebiya, via MARCA, the two football federations struck a deal whereby the AFA would receive €1 million for taking part in Tuesday night’s friendly game in Tangier.

However, the arrangement stipulated that the full amount would only arrive if Messi, Argentina’s talisman and all-time top scorer, played at least 70 minutes at the Stade Ibn Batouta. Because Messi has pulled out of the squad through injury, there’s been a deduction of €550,000.

Image result for messi injury

As per SPORT, Moroccan chiefs are fuming over the fact that the five-time Ballon d’Or as the friendly fixture has now lost a good chunk of its commercial value.

They were told by the Abicaleste that the two-time World Cup winners would field their best XI and demanded an explanation following on from Messi’s absence.

Image result for messi injury


News of the Moroccan FA’s discontent comes after reports that several bizarre clauses regarding Messi were included in the friendly match.

According to Al Akhbar (via Le360 Sport), a FRMF source said that one of the clauses included photographs not to be taken of the Argentina captain after the match – with not even the Moroccan players allowed to take selfies with him.

It was also said that that Messi would not be talking to the media before or after the match, but the most ridiculous ‘rule’ comprised of Morocco players allegedly not being able to be aggressive towards the 31-year old Barcelona star on the pitch.

Despite his knock, Barcelona are hopeful that Messi will be fit for the Catalan derby against Espanyol.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *